ID scanners are promoted as an effective solution to the problems of anti-social behavior and violence in many urban nighttime economies. However, the acceptance of this and other forms of computerized surveillance to prevent crime and anti-social behavior is based on several unproven assumptions. After outlining what ID scanners are and how they are becoming a normalized precondition of entry into one Australian nighttime economy, this chapter demonstrates how technology is commonly viewed as the key to preventing crime despite recognition of various problems associated with its adoption. The implications of technological determinism amongst policy makers, police, and crime prevention theories are then critically assessed in light of several issues that key informants talking about the value of ID scanners fail to mention when applauding their success. Notably, the broad, ill-defined, and confused notion of "privacy" is analyzed as a questionable legal remedy for the growing problems of überveillance.
History
Volume
3
Chapter number
9
Pagination
208-225
ISBN-13
9781466645820
ISBN-10
1466645830
Language
eng
Publication classification
B Book chapter, B1 Book chapter
Copyright notice
2014, IGI Global
Extent
17
Editor/Contributor(s)
Michael MG, Michael K
Publisher
IGI Global
Place of publication
Hershey Pa.
Title of book
Uberveillance and the social implications of microchip implants: emerging technologies
Series
Advances in human and social aspects of technology (AHSAT)